Band 8.5 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 8.5 · IELTS Momentum Workout · 2026-09-03

IELTS Writing Task 2 question

In some societies, obesity is regarded as a major problem. Some people believe that junk food advertising is largely to blame for this problem and should be banned. However, others feel that junk food advertising does not contribute to the problem of obesity and should not be banned.

Discuss both these views and give your own opinion.

You should use your own ideas, knowledge and experience·and support your arguments with examples and relevant evidence. Write at least 250 words.

Student answer (Band 8.5)

Obesity has become an increasingly prevalent public-health concern in many societies, prompting debate over whether the advertising of unhealthy food should be prohibited. While proponents of a ban contend that such advertising encourages excessive consumption, others maintain that individuals, rather than advertisers, are ultimately responsible for their dietary choices. In my view, although advertising is a significant contributing factor, an outright ban would be disproportionate.

Those who advocate prohibiting junk-food advertising argue that it can exert a particularly powerful influence on children, whose ability to evaluate commercial persuasion critically is still developing. By associating highly processed food with happiness, popularity or entertainment, advertisements can normalise unhealthy consumption patterns long before individuals acquire the awareness necessary to make informed dietary choices. Moreover, because repeated exposure can create brand familiarity and preference, children may subsequently pressure their parents to purchase these products, making advertising an indirect driver of household consumption. Consequently, restricting such marketing, particularly during children's television programmes and on digital platforms, could help curb the formation of unhealthy habits.

Nevertheless, opponents of a ban argue, with some justification, that obesity is a multifaceted problem whose causes extend considerably beyond advertising. Dietary preferences are also shaped by disposable income, education, family habits, physical activity and the accessibility of nutritious food. Even in the absence of advertising, therefore, individuals may continue consuming calorie-dense food because it is inexpensive, convenient and readily available. Furthermore, holding advertisers primarily responsible could divert attention from the broader societal and governmental measures required to address obesity effectively.

In conclusion, although junk-food advertising can influence dietary behaviour, particularly among impressionable children, it is only one component of a considerably more complex problem. Rather than imposing an absolute prohibition, governments should regulate advertising directed at children while simultaneously promoting nutritional education and improving access to affordable, healthy food.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 8.0

The response fully addresses all parts of the prompt. You have clearly presented both sides of the argument regarding junk food advertising and provided a well-reasoned personal opinion. The ideas are well-developed, particularly the point about children's vulnerability to commercial persuasion and the counter-argument regarding the multifaceted nature of obesity. The position is consistent throughout the essay, and the conclusion effectively synthesises the arguments while offering a balanced recommendation. There are no omissions, and the response is highly relevant to the task.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 8.5

The essay is logically organised with a clear progression of ideas. Each paragraph has a central theme, and the transition between paragraphs is smooth, using effective cohesive devices such as 'Nevertheless', 'Moreover', and 'Consequently'. The use of referencing is precise, and the paragraphing is used appropriately to separate the different viewpoints. The flow of the argument is natural and easy to follow, demonstrating a high level of control over the structure of the essay.

Lexical Resource — Band 8.0

You demonstrate a wide and sophisticated range of vocabulary. Phrases such as 'increasingly prevalent public-health concern', 'commercial persuasion', 'normalise unhealthy consumption patterns', and 'multifaceted problem' are used with precision and natural collocation. The vocabulary is not only accurate but also contributes to the formal and academic tone of the response. There are no noticeable errors in word choice, and the lexical range is consistently high throughout the text.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 8.5

The response displays a wide range of complex grammatical structures used with high accuracy. You effectively use subordinate clauses, passive voice, and conditional structures (e.g., 'Even in the absence of advertising, therefore, individuals may continue...'). The majority of sentences are error-free, and the punctuation is used correctly to enhance clarity. There are no significant grammatical slips, and the control over sentence variety is impressive, contributing to the overall fluency of the writing.

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